Most beaches in Tenerife comply with strict European standards, are spotlessly clean and offer sun beds, shades and shower facilities. However, as this is a volcanic island, there are a few of the natural beaches, which are of fine dark sand or shingle, these are predominantly in the North. In the South there are beautiful long golden sand beaches, some natural and some man made with sand imported from the Sahara dessert.

West Coast Beaches.

Los Gigantes – West Coast

Location: Los Gigantes near Marina

Type: Black Sand

Facilities: Close to all facilities

Notes: This beach is fairly small, very clean and surrounded by high cliffs. Situated very close to the marina, where you will find a good choice of shops, bars and restaurants.

Playa de la Arena – West Coast

Location: South of Los Gigantes

Type: Small beach of black sand.

Facilities: Free Parking /

Notes: This is one of the cleanest beaches on the island and has a blue flag European award

Playa San Juan – South West Coast

Location:

Type: Black Sand

Facilities: close to all facilities

Notes: Re-known for its good snorkelling.

South Coast Beaches (Playa de las Americas).

La Caleta – West Coast

Location: La Caleta

Type: Golden Sand and Gravel.

Facilities: Restaurants / Parking.

Notes: Situated by a small fishing village, where you can sample the fresh fish prepared in the restaurants, which are right by the beach. Good snorkelling.

Notes: This is one of the main beaches in the South, is large, clean, exellent to swim from and offers everything you could ask for.

Harbour Beach

Location: Main sea front position

Type: golden sand

Facilities: Showers, Sun beds and close to all facilities nearby.

Notes: Right on the sea front walk at the edge of the town. Good swimming and lots going on. This is the beach to watch or take part in volleyball.

South Coast Beaches (El Medano).

Playa del la Tejita

Location: West of El Medano Beach

Type: Long Wide Sandy Beach

Facilities: Small Café/Bar at one end

Notes: Tejita beach is ideal for those who require wide-open spaces. Tejita can be very windy which is ideal foe the windsurfers or can have just a gentle breeze, which is more than welcome for sunbathers. Nudists also use this beach.

El Medano Main Beach

Location:

Type: Flat Golden Sand.

Facilities: Windsurfing Hire and Instruction.

Notes: This is a popular beach with windsurfers and has hosted some international championships.

Notes: This beach is one of the best on the island. It’s 1.5km long, is protected by a large breakwater, which eliminates dangerous currents, making it an ideal beach for families. Shade is provided in certain areas by palm trees and the backdrop to the beach is mountainous.

Playa de Las Gaviotas

Location: Drive from Santa Cruz towards Terrasitas Beach but turn left up the hill then down to the beach.